Main Activities

Mandate of Public Education Section

The Public Education Section (PES) derives its mandate from Section 10 (1) (a) (iii) and (iv) of the Corrupt Practices Act. In enhancing the functions of the Bureau the Public Education Section is mandated to take measures for the prevention of corruption in public bodies and private bodies, including in particular, measures for -

i) disseminating information on the evil and dangerous effects of corrupt practices on society;

ii) enlisting and fostering public support against corrupt practices.

In carrying out its mandate the Public Education Section implements different activities.

Main Activities

A. Information dissemination:

This mandate is carried out through different means depending on the target group. However, the content development is the same

I. Anti-Corruption Rallies

This is one of the methods mostly used to disseminate information to the general public because many people are reached at once. The rallies are mostly held in villages, trading centres and markets.  They are usually interactive and provide instant feedback from participants who are given an opportunity to ask questions.  Rallies often help the general public to understand the concept of corruption, how to report corruption to Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and how the law protects them as whistleblowers.

II. Anti-Corruption Workshops

The anti-corruption workshops aim at equipping participants with information about ACB and effects of corruption and how it can be reported to ACB. Often participants are also inducted on how to train others on issues of corruption.  The workshops target specific groups  like traditional leaders, religious leaders, public officer’s e.t.c. These workshops are sometimes initiated by institutions, whether public or private, that wish to join the fight against corruption. The National Anti-Corruption Strategy requires every Malawian citizen to take part in fighting corruption.

III. Electronic Media Programmes – Radio and Television

Realizing that many people in Malawi listen to the radio and watch television; the Public Education Section also uses the media as one way of disseminating information to the general public.  Radio reaches all corners of Malawi and it has proved to be an effective way of disseminating information especially at the grassroots in remote areas. Radio jingles, drama, phone-in programmes are used to inform listeners on issues of corruption.

At the same time anti-corruption television advertisements are beamed on Malawi Television just before news.

IV. Print Media Programmes

The Public Education Section (PES) runs a series of newspaper cartoons.  It is believed that cartoons can send a message even to the illiterate.  It is therefore an effective way of disseminating messages.  The challenge is that not many people in Malawi buy and read newspapers.

In addition to newspaper cartoons, the PES issues press releases as a way of communicating to the public on various issues of corruption.

Soon the section will start to serialize parts of the Corrupt Practices Act so that the public is more informed about contents of the Act.

V. Trade Fair

Every year, the Public Education Section of the Bureau participates in international trade fairs.  This is an opportunity to reach out and remind business people to conduct their businesses free of corruption. The fair gives an opportunity to the ACB to discuss with the business community on the issues of corruption.  It is also an opportune time to get public perception about the operations of the ACB as Officers also interact with the public.

VI. Commemoration of National Anti-Corruption Day

Malawi commemorates the Day every year on 5^th February, where all role-players come together and reflect on the progress made so far in the fight against corruption. It is also a time where these players renew and show their commitment to the fight. Several activities are lined up for this day which includes but not limited to: car floats, drama, speeches, press briefing etc. There is usually a theme for that year which helps the country to focus on a specific pillar as listed in the National Anti-Corruption Strategy.

B.  Enlisting and fostering public support:

The fight against corruption is not a sole responsibility of the Anti-Corruption Bureau alone. With the launch of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy by the State president, Ngwazi Dr Bingu Wa Muntharika in 2009, a lot of people through different organizations are coming forward to join the fight.

i. The Section has fifty six (56) anti-corruption clubs that have been trained all over Malawi and are carrying out civic education in those areas on voluntary basis. These clubs are initiated by community members themselves. They are mainly into helping the community on how to report corruption as well as distribution of IEC materials.

ii.  Managers of various Institutions including training institutions like Staff Development Institute (SDI) are currently showing interest in preventing and educating their employees or students in evil and dangerous effects of corrupt practices. They invite Anti-Corruption Bureaus PES to make presentations to the students or staff so that they are aware of corruption issues.